Kubica return the wrong message for F1 - Villeneuve

Jacques Villeneuve says Robert Kubica's return to Formula 1 after eight years recovering from life-threatening arm injuries is not good for the sport. Former world champion Villeneuve argues that F1's reputation as the pinnacle of motorsport should make it hard to compete in with Kubica's injuries.

Kubica almost completely severed his right arm in a rally crash in 2011, the effects of which remain visible to this day.

The Pole served as Williams' test driver last year and has stepped up to the race team for 2019, having last raced in F1 for Renault in 2010.

Although against his return to F1, Villeneuve credited Kubica's ability to overcome his injuries.

"It is of course a great achievement that Kubica has returned after so many years, really unbelievable," Villeneuve is quoted by Formule 1.

"If you have done something that you love and that you have taken away, you know what you are missing. Then you will work even harder to get it back.

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"I am also sure that he will do everything he can to stay at the top. If I were in his shoes, I would do the same. You should not let such a chance pass."

However, Villeneuve sees no benefit to F1 by having Kubica return: "I think it's terrible. This is not good for the sport.

"I already said that last year and I am not going to change my opinion.

"Formula 1 should be the pinnacle of racing, it's the king class. So it is not good for the sport if someone with a disability, because that's what it is, can participate.

"At least not in Formula 1, perhaps in other classes. Formula 1 must be difficult and almost unreachable. Robert's return is not the right message."

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